After testing positive for the BRCA gene in 2011, oncology nurse Kelly Boling at Research Medical Center – like Angelina Jolie - underwent a mastectomy and had her ovaries removed – a move that her doctor...

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure helps to restore proper blood flow to the brain. This will help to prevent
strokes
and
transient ischemic attacks
(TIAs). TIAs are mini-strokes and considered a warning sign for a future stroke.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Anesthesia

Description of the Procedure

You will lie flat on a table. A roll will be placed under your shoulder. Your head will be turned to the side. A cut in the skin will be made along the side of the neck. The cut will run from just behind the ear to a point above the breastbone. Clamps will be placed above and below the plaque on the carotid artery. In some cases, a temporary bypass tube will be used to maintain blood flow around the area that is being operated on.

The artery will be opened and cleaned of plaque. The artery will then be sewn back together. The clamps, and bypass tube, if used, will then be removed. A section of the carotid artery may need to be removed. In this case, an artificial graft or a segment of vein will be sewn in to replace it. The neck incision will be closed with stitches.

Immediately After Procedure

An
arteriogram may be done to ensure that there are no complications, such as blood clots or narrowing. You may be given medication to help prevent blood clotting.

How Long Will It Take?

2-4 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 1-3 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications occur.

Post-procedure Care

At Home

It may take up to 2 weeks to recover. Slowly return to normal activity as tolerated. You may be referred to a dietitian who can help with dietary changes. These changes will help prevent a return of plaque build-up. Changes focus on
a diet low in saturated fat
.
Make sure your diet is
high in fruits, vegetables
,
grains
, and fish.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision site

Persistent nausea and/or vomiting

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you've been given

Severe headaches, swelling in your neck, or other new symptoms

Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain

Memory loss

Drooping facial muscles

Difficulty with speech, vision, or with moving

Weakness

Arm pain

Extreme sweatiness

Lightheadedness or fainting

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Questions and answers about carotid endarterectomy. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/carotid%5Fendarterectomy%5Fbackgrounder.htm. Updated July 5, 2012. Accessed May 6, 2013.